NM
Are there any pre-emergents I can use at the time of seeding fine fescue?
Can you please tell me if there’s any pre-emergents I can use at the time of seeding a new fine fescue lawn? What is a good weed control in the early stages that’s not going to kill my new lawn?
With fine fescue, there aren’t any pre-emergents you can safely use at the time of seeding. Unlike ryegrass and tall fescue, where NZLA Meso can be used, fine fescue is more sensitive and using it at seeding can reduce seedling density and slow establishment.
The best approach is to start with a clean seedbed, get your prep right, and focus on consistent irrigation through germination to get a nice even strike. Don’t worry too much about a few weeds coming through from the soil, that’s normal.
Once the lawn is up and established and you’ve had a couple of mows, you can then look at using NZLA Meso as a post-emergent. At that point it’s generally safe on fine fescue, and the weeds are still young so you’ll get good control. This is one of the only herbicides you can use during the early stages, and it’s best to wait at least 4 to 6 months before moving to stronger herbicides.
Just be mindful that when used as a post-emergent, you may see some bleaching of the grass blades. This is normal and will grow out over time. NZLA Meso works by stopping the plant protecting its chlorophyll, so sunlight breaks it down and causes the white colour. Some people aren’t keen on the temporary bleaching, but it’s completely normal.
This guide on soil temperatures and irrigation for new seed is well worth a read:
https://www.newzealandlawnaddicts.com/lawn-tips/sowing-seed-soil-temps-irrigation/